Intelsat S.A., a provider of satellite services, announced that Brian Jakins has been named as the company’s Regional Vice President of Sales in Africa, effective immediately. Jakins will be based in Johannesburg, South Africa and report to Jean-Philippe Gillet, Vice President, Europe, Middle East and Africa. Jakins will lead Intelsat’s African sales team and support the growth of Intelsat’s broadband, mobility and media customers operating in the region. He will also be responsible for the design and implementation of the company’s sales strategy and business development across Africa.
Sierra Wireless announced that Itron has selected AirPrime HL Series modules to enable cellular connectivity in its latest line of smart gas meters. The point-to-point residential meters will begin shipping later this quarter to support smart metering initiatives across Europe, beginning with a deployment in Italy. The two companies have previously announced their collaboration to provide smart electrical meters, but this is the first time they have collaborated to provide connected gas meters.
Intel Capital, Intel Corporation’s global investment and M&A organization, announced at the Intel Capital Global Summit new investments totaling more than $22 million in 10 startups. Companies receiving funding include mobile service provider FreedomPop, LISNR, Sckipio, what3words, Body Labs, Microprogram Information, Perfant Technology, Chargifi, KMLabs and Prieto Battery.
SIGFOX, a provider of IoT connectivity, and Glen Canyon Corp., a provider of low-cost smart meters and AMI solutions to electric utilities worldwide, announced plans to connect 1 million meters to the SIGFOX network in the coming year. Glen Canyon already has installed more than 20 million meters in China, Africa and the U.S., supported by its AMI, or advanced metering infrastructure.
